"Treinta y Tres" Especial [33 Special]

I was fortunate on our way to our surfing extravaganza to visit the Fenix 2, which is the capsule used to rescue the 33 miners stuck for 70 days in the mines of northern Chile. It was mandated that the capsule visit every "Plaza de Armas" or major plaza in honor of famous Chilean battles. Practically every major city has one, thus it stopped in Valparaiso for a few days until it continues its trek to the south of Chile. The goal is to take the capsule the whole of Chile, for all the people to see and celebrate. I find the idea overwhelmingly touching, as they take a very historic piece of their history all over the country, so that the people of Chile can celebrate the miraculous rescue of the 33 miners.



It has been an true honor to be able to watch Chileans from all walks of life come together to support and celebrate the rescue of the 33. It has been funny, too, as 33 is now a very important number. They are definitely heroes here. While my parents visited, we saw in Santiago a massive banner hanging off the side of an apartment building that declared them as heroes. The sermon the following Sunday was titled the "33 y 1" signifying the addition of God with them. People joked and still joke about "33" this or "33" that. An important number for sure. Just the other day, I was microwaving something and stopped it to check on the contents. It so happened to stop on 33 seconds. My chilean brother let out a laugh and pointed to the glowing number saying "33 como los mineros" or "33 just like the miners".

Needless to say, it has been fun to watch people, usually known as being timid and unpatriotic, come out in full force this year. They have certainly beat the stigma, rallied together and could not be more proud of their country, as they are now after recovering from the earthquake, the rescue of the miners and their big Bicentennial celebration of 200 years. I don't think they are timid, yet humble, after everything they have endured. It certainly was fun to be able to witness a piece of their history that represents so much for them. I marveled at the line of people waiting to have their picture taken next to "the capsule", and enjoyed being able to share in their emotions even if I am a gringa or outsider.




I will never forget the days when the miners were being rescued. Each time I watched one come out, I would get goosebumps. Knowing that the majority of Chile and millions around the world were watching the rescue mission, was mind-blowing to me. Such a neat experience! Even in the mall, the TV's were all set to the rescue efforts. It was funny because people would continually walk by, stop for a minute, watch and smile, then move along so someone else could see. An indescribable time and emotion to witness, yet in the end it truly was and is a miracle from God.